Semipalmated Sandpiper – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Semi, Least, Baird’s + Pecs

The sun was shining and I headed out to Boundary Bay a couple of hours before the high tide. While heading west from 104 St. I walked right up on a small group of peeps.

There was one Semipalmated Sandpiper,

… with a few Least Sandpiper.

While the Semipalmated Sandpiper took time out to rest,

… the Least Sandpiper kept busy.

On reaching the area of the pilings,

… there were some Baird’s Sandpiper,

… along with Pectoral Sandpiper.

Initially the Baird’s Sandpiper were out further in the tidal pools.

The Pectoral Sandpiper were sticking to high water mark foraging for food,

… and also taking time out to rest. With the higher number of Pectoral Sandpipers around I checked them all for a possible Sharp-tailed, but could not find one. A pleasant variety of species cooperating for photos this afternoon.

Semipalmated Plover

Headed out to Boundary Bay for the rising tide on what was a beautiful afternoon. While walking west along the beach there was no action close to the dyke in the tidal pools. Once near the pylons I could see some movement further out on the sand. On getting a little closer it turned out to be a small group of Semipalmated Plovers. They were a little wary of me at first,

… but with a little patience they relaxed and moved towards me.

Closer is always better with these tiny plovers.

There were also a couple of Western and Least Sandpipers mixed in with them.

Several of the Semipalmated Plovers were more than cooperative and provided good photo opportunities. While walking back towards the dyke with a couple of other birders,

Semipalmated & Baird's Sandpiper — Semipalmated & Baird’s Sandpiper

… a small group of Baird’s Sandpiper flew in and amongst them was a Semiplamated Sandpiper. The other birders had been watching the Black-bellied Plover flock and sighted Red Knot, Hudsonian Godwit and Bar-tailed Godwit. A good variety of birds on the bay today.

A Semipalmated Day

It was back out to Boundary Bay this afternoon. Timing was better this time as I would be there for the rising tide. While walking west from 104 Street along the beach I encountered some Baird’s Sandpipers again in the same area as last week. Then things started to pick up with lots of the smaller peeps around. On checking the mixed groups closely,

… there were a few Semipalmated Sandpipers present. Also different from my last visit,

… the Semipalmated Plovers were a little more cooperative this afternoon. Finishing off this photo session of the little guys,

… was some Least Sandpipers. In addition to these peeps there were several Western Sandpiper present and then on my way back with the tide almost all the way in, a few Pectoral Sandpipers showed up as well.